Super Six women’s clash: Scotland chase statement win as Bangladesh bat first

Bangladesh chose to bat first against Scotland in a high-stakes Super Six encounter of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Qualifier 2026, but the early narrative of the match is less about the toss and more about momentum, and the pressure that comes with it.

Unbeaten and sitting comfortably atop the Super Six standings, Bangladesh entered Friday’s fixture as clear favourites. Three wins from three matches and a healthy net run rate of +1.150 have put them firmly on course for qualification. Yet, the decision to bat first at the Tribhuvan University Cricket Ground also signals confidence, perhaps even an intent to dominate rather than merely manage the contest.

For Scotland, this match represents something more urgent: opportunity. Currently third on the table, a win here could dramatically reshape the standings and potentially allow them to leapfrog the Netherlands in the qualification race. Despite a poor head-to-head record, five losses from five matches against Bangladesh, the Scots arrive with little to lose and plenty to gain.

The contrast in mood between the two camps is striking. Bangladesh are navigating the tournament under the shadow of recent off-field allegations involving captain Nigar Sultana Joty, claims that have been firmly dismissed by the Bangladesh Cricket Board. On the field, however, Joty’s leadership remains central, as she leads a settled XI featuring a blend of experience and youth, including Marufa Akter and Nahida Akter.

Scotland, led by Kathryn Bryce, are leaning on consistency and all-round depth. With Bryce, Sarah Bryce, and Abtaha Maqsood forming the backbone of the side, Scotland’s strategy hinges on discipline and exploiting any early breakthroughs after being asked to field.

As the match unfolds, the key question isn’t just whether Bangladesh can maintain their perfect Super Six run, but whether Scotland can finally turn promise into a defining result on the global qualifying stage.

PLAYING XIS

Bangladesh:

Nigar Sultana Joty (c), Dilara Akter (wk), Nahida Akter, Shorna Akter, Marufa Akter, Rabeya Khan, Ritu Moni, Sobhana Mostary, Fahima Khatun, Sharmin Akhter, Juairiya Ferdous.

Scotland:

Darcey Carter, Megan McColl, Ailsa Lister, Sarah Bryce (wk), Pippa Sproul, Katherine Fraser, Kathryn Bryce (c), Priyanaz Chatterji, Olivia Bell, Chloe Abel, Abtaha Maqsood.